Mikser and Mogherini discussed preparations for the Estonian EU Presidency and cooperation during the Presidency

09.12.2016

Yesterday in Hamburg, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Federica Mogherini discussed preparations for the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2017 and other foreign policy affairs that Estonia has to address during that time.

Mikser and Mogherini discussed the current state of preparations and practical cooperation during the EU Presidency. “Close cooperation and coordination before and during the Presidency is very important and necessary for us,” Mikser said as he reaffirmed preparedness for full cooperation.

According to Mikser, the Estonian Government will soon draw up a Programme of the Presidency and set its priorities. “Estonian Presidency will definitely focus on security, developing the single market and the digital single market and the EU neighbourhood policy, including Eastern Partnership,” Foreign Minister Mikser said.

The Foreign Minister and the EU High Representative also talked about the EU relations with the US and Turkey. They agreed that the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Mogherini will visit Estonia before the Presidency next year.

Also, Foreign Minister Sven Mikser met with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin, the Foreign Minister of Moldova Andrei Galbur and the Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian in Hamburg. Topics discussed during the meetings included strong bilateral relations, development cooperation, integration with the EU and security issues.

The Foreign Minister reaffirmed Ukraine, Moldova and Armenia that Estonia fully supports their integration with the EU, continuous development cooperation and sharing practical experience.

Mikser was in Hamburg for the 23rd OSCE Ministerial Council held from 8-9 December.